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Are you depressed?
Depression is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms in a questionnaire test, the most common being the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression, or HRS for short. This contains questions about your mood, guilt feelings, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, physical problems, sex drive, and so on. Depending on your test score on these questions, you will be diagnosed with either “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe” depression. Here’s a simplified depression test questionnaire to check your mood.

Try the Depression Test

Do you feel downhearted, blue and sad?

Do you feel worse in the morning?
Do you have crying spells, or feel like it?
Do you have trouble falling asleep, or sleeping through the night?
Is your appetite poor, or conversely, do you have strong cravings for carbohydrates?
Do you feel unattractive and unlovable?
Do you prefer to be alone?
Do you feel fearful?
Are you often tired and irritable?
Is it an effort to do the things you used to do?
Are you restless and unable to keep still?
Do you feel hopeless about the future?
Do you find it difficult to make decisions?
Do you feel less enjoyment from activities that once gave you pleasure?

If you answered yes to:

Fewer than 5: You appear to be generally positive, optimistic and able to roll with the punches. The information below will give you clues on how to handle those occasions when things aren’t going so well for you.

5 to 10: You may have a mild to moderate case of the blues. Read on to see how this can happen, and then, to the solutions. You might also consider seeking help and advice from your GP.

More than 10: You may be moderately to markedly depressed. Besides following the advice below, we recommend you seek professional help.

What causes depression?
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of depression. There might be underlying biochemical or psychological issues that predispose an individual to depression. There might be a trigger such as a stressful event, a bereavement, loss of a job, or break up of a relationship. If you are suffering with a low mood, whether you consider that it is depression or not, you should see your GP who can rule out medical causes, recommend counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy and psychotherapy, and assess your medication. Exercise is also very important and there’s lots of evidence that regular exercise boosts mood, especially if you’re able to exercise outdoors in a green environment. Even a walk in the park or a stroll by the river is thought to be beneficial.

There are a number of nutritional imbalances that can make you prone to depression. These are:

they can’t be manufactured within the human body, and therefore it is essential that you take them in through your diet. The richest dietary source is from oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, pilchards, herring, trout and fresh but not tinned tuna. Surveys have shown that the more fish the population of a country eats the lower is their incidence of depression. There are two key types of omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA and the evidence suggests that its the EPA which seems to be the most potent natural anti-depressant.

There have been six double-blind placebo controlled trials to date, five of which show benefit. The first trial by Dr Andrew Stoll from Harvard Medical School, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, gave 40 depressed patients either omega 3 supplements versus placebo and found a highly significant improvement. The next, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, tested the effects of giving twenty people suffering from severe depression, who were already on anti-depressants but still depressed, a highly concentrated form of omega 3 fat, called ethyl-EPA versus a placebo. By the third week the depressed patients were showing major improvement in their mood, while those on placebo were not. A recent pooling of trials (a meta-analysis) which looked at all good quality trials of omega-3 fats and mood disorders concluded that omega-3 fats reduced depressive symptoms by an average of 53% and that there was as correlation between dose and depressive symptom improvement, meaning that higher dose omega-3 was more effective that lower dose. Of those that measured the Hamilton Rating Scale, including one ‘open’ trial, not involving placebos, the average improvement in depression was approximately double that shown by anti-depressant drugs, without the side-effects. This may be because omega 3s help to build your brain’s neuronal (brain cell) connections as well as the receptor sites for neurotransmitters; therefore, the more omega-3s in your blood, the more serotonin you are likely to make and the more responsive you become to its effects.

Where’s the evidence? Click here for a list of scientific studies on omega 3 and depression.

Side effects? Very occasionally, when starting omega-3 fish oil supplementation, some people can get slightly loose bowels or fish-tasting burps, but this is quite rare. Supplementing fish oils also reduces risk for heart disease, reduces arthritic pain and may improve memory and concentration.

See action plan for our recommendations.

INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF B VITAMINS
People with either low blood levels of the B-vitamin folic acid, or high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, (a sign that you are not getting enough B6, B12 or folic acid) are both more likely to be depressed and less likely to get a positive result from anti-depressant drugs. In a study comparing the effects of giving an SSRI with either a placebo or with folic acid, 61% of patients improved on the placebo combination but 93% improved with the addition of folic acid. But how does folic acid itself, a cheap vitamin with no side-effects, compare to anti-depressants?

Three trials involving 247 people addressed this question. Two involving 151 people assessed the use of folic acid in addition to other treatment, and found that adding folic acid reduced HRS scores on average by a further 2.65 points. That’s not as good as the results with 5-HTP (discussed below) but as good, if not better than antidepressants. These studies also show that more patients treated with folate experienced a reduction in their Hamilton Rating score of greater than 50% after ten weeks compared to those on anti-depressants.

Having a high level of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid found in the blood, doubles the odds of a woman developing depression. The ideal level is below 7, and certainly below 10. The average level is 10-11. Depression risk doubles with levels above 15. The higher your level the more likely folic acid will work for you.

Folic acid is one of seven nutrients – the others being B2, B6, B12, zinc, magnesium and TMG – that help normalise homocysteine. Deficiency in vitamin B3, B6, folic acid, zinc and magnesium have all been linked to depression. Having a low homocysteine means your brain is good at ‘methylating’ which is the process by which the brain keeps it’s chemistry in balance. So it makes sense to both eat wholefoods, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, high in these nutrients and supplementing a multivitamin.

Side effects? There are none, except lower risk for heart disease, strokes, Alzheimer’s and improved energy and concentration. However, if you are B12 deficient (most likely if you are elderly, vegan, or are on medication to reduce stomach acid), taking folic acid on its own can mask the B12 deficiency symptoms, but the underlying nerve damage caused by B12 deficiency anaemia can persist. So, don’t take folic acid without also supplementing vitamin B12 (sub-lingual forms are better absorbed, particularly in the elderly).

BOOST YOUR SEROTONIN WITH AMINO ACIDS
Serotonin is made in the body and brain from an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is then converted into another amino acid called 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Tryptophan can be found in the diet; it’s in many protein rich foods such as meat, fish, beans and eggs. 5-HTP is found in high levels in the African Griffonia bean, but this bean is not a common feature of most people’s diet. Just not getting enough tryptophan is likely to make you depressed; people fed food deficient in tryptophan became rapidly depressed within hours.

Both tryptophan and 5-HTP have been shown to have an antidepressant effect in clinical trials, although 5HTP is more effective – 27 studies, involving 990 people to date, most of which proved effective. . So how do they compare with anti-depressants? In play-off studies between 5-HTP and SSRI antidepressants, 5-HTP generally comes out slightly better. One double-blind trial headed by Dr. Poldinger at the Basel University of Psychiatry gave 34 depressed volunteers either the SSRI fluvoxamine (Luvox) or 300 mg of 5-HTP. At the end of the six weeks, both groups of patients had had a significant improvement in their depression. However, those taking 5-HTP had a slightly greater improvement, compared to those on the SSRI, in each of the four criteria assessed—depression, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms—as well as their own self-assessment, although this improvement was not statistically significant.

Since anti-depressant drugs, in some sensitive people, can induce an overload of serotonin called ‘serotonin syndrome’ characterised by feeling hot, high blood pressure, twitching, cramping, dizziness and disorientation, some concern has been expressed about the possibility of increased risk of serotonin syndrome with the combination of 5-HTP and an SSRI drug. The balance of evidence suggests that there is little to no risk, however, if you wish to take 5-HTP or tryptophan alongside a serotonergic drug (SSRI or tricyclic antidepressant that boosts serotonin levels), you should first consult your prescribing doctor.

Side-effects? Some people experience mild gastrointestinal disturbance on 5-HTP, which usually stops within a few days. Since there are serotonin receptors in the gut, which don’t normally expect to get the real thing so easily, they can overreact if the amount is too high, resulting in transient nausea. If so, just lower the dose or take it with food.

BALANCE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
There is a direct link between mood and blood sugar balance. All carbohydrate foods are broken down into glucose and your brain runs on glucose. The more uneven your blood sugar supply the more uneven your mood. In fact, our experience at the Brain Bio Centre is that poor blood sugar balance is often the single-biggest factor in mood disorders amongst the people that seek our advice.

Eating lots of sugar is going to give you sudden peaks and troughs in the amount of glucose in your blood; symptoms that this is going on include fatigue, irritability, dizziness, insomnia, excessive sweating (especially at night), poor concentration and forgetfulness, excessive thirst, depression and crying spells, digestive disturbances and blurred vision. Since the brain depends on an even supply of glucose it is no surprise to find that sugar has been implicated in aggressive behaviour, anxiety, and depression, and fatigue .

Lots of refined sugar and refined carbohydrates (meaning white bread, pasta, rice and most processed foods,) is also linked with depression because these foods not only supply very little in the way of nutrients but they also use up the mood enhancing B vitamins; turning each teaspoon of sugar into energy needs B vitamins. In fact, a study of 3,456 middle-aged civil servants, published in British Journal of Psychiatry found that those who had a diet which contained a lot of processed foods had a 58% increased risk for depression, whereas those whose diet could be described as containing more whole foods had a 26% reduced risk for depression.

Sugar also diverts the supply of another nutrient involved in mood – chromium. This mineral is vital for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin, which clears glucose from the blood, can’t work properly without it. There is more on chromium below.

The best way to keep your blood sugar level even is to eat what is called a low Glycemic Load (GL) diet and avoid, as much as you can, refined sugar and refined foods, eating instead whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and regular meals. The book, the Holford Low GL Diet Bible, explains exactly how to do this so this is a great resource if you really want to improve your blood sugar balance. Caffeine also has a direct effect on your blood sugar and your mood and is best kept to a minimum, as is alcohol.

Where’s the evidence? Click here for a list of scientific studies on sugar, caffeine and depression.

Side effects? None.

UP YOUR INTAKE OF CHROMIUM
This mineral is vital for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin,

which clears glucose from the blood, can’t work properly without it. In fact it turns out that just supplying proper levels of chromium to people with atypical depression can make a big difference.

If you answer yes to a five or more of these questions and you might be suffering from atypical depression.

• Do you crave sweets or other carbohydrates?
• Do you tend to gain weight?
• Are you tired for no obvious reason?
• Do your arms or legs feel heavy?
• Do you tend to feel sleepy or groggy much of the time?
• Are your feelings easily hurt by the rejection of others?
• Did your depression begin before the age of 30?

It is called atypical because in ‘classic’ depression people lose their appetite, don’t eat enough, lose weight and can’t sleep whereas with atypical, the opposite is generally true. Atypical depression affects anywhere from 25 to 42 percent of the depressed population, and an even higher percentage among depressed women so it’s extremely common rather than being ‘atypical’. A chance discovery by Dr Malcolm McLeod, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, suggested that people who suffer with ‘atypical’ depression might benefit from chromium supplementation.

In a small double-blind study McLeod gave ten patients suffering from atypical depression chromium supplements of 600mcg a-day and five others a placebo for eight weeks. The results were dramatic. Seven out of ten taking the supplements showed a big improvement, versus none on the placebo. Their Hamilton Rating Score for depression dropped by an unheard of 83%; from 29 – major depression – to 5 – not depressed. A larger trial at Cornell University with 113 patients has confirmed the finding. After eight weeks 65% of those on chromium had had a major improvement, compared to 33% on placebos.

In our experience at the Brain Bio Centre, people with atypical depression generally have other symptoms of poor blood sugar balance, so if this sounds like you, then in addition to supplementing chromium, you should focus on improving blood sugar balance.

Side effects? None, except more energy and better weight control. Chromium, if taken in the evening, can increase energy and hence interfere with sleep.

See action plan for our recommendations.

BRING ON THE SUNSHINE
Known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, around 90% of our vitamin D is synthesised in our skin by the action of sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly being recognised as a common problem around the globe and may be implicated in depression, particularly if you feel worse in winter.

You are most at risk for vitamin D deficiency if you are elderly (since your ability to make it in the skin reduces with age), dark-skinned (you require up to 6 times more sunshine than a light-skinned person to make the same amount of vitamin D), overweight (your vitamin D stores may be tucked away within your fat tissue), or you tend to shy away from the sun – covering up and using sun-block. Of course, you should never risk your skin health by getting sun-burned.

Side effects? None

See action plan for our recommendations.

BAD MOOD FOODS

Some foods are associated with mood problems. For example, in a huge population study, Coeliac Disease (a severe intolerance to gluten – the protein found in wheat, rye and barley) was associated with an 80% increased risk for depression. It is thought that Coeliac Disease is vastly underdiagnosed in the UK. Your GP can test for it, and should test you if you have fluctuating digestive symptoms including diarrhoea, constipation or bloating, and especially if you have unexplained anaemia. In fact, you can have mood symptoms relating to gluten, even without Coeliac Disease.

At the Brain Bio Centre we routinely test individuals with low mood or motivation for food intolerance. It is not at all uncommon for us to find that putting a person on the allergy-free diet they need relieves symptoms of depression, insomnia or anxiety.

Peter is a case in point. When he came to the Brain Bio Centre he had had a long history of mental health problems, which left him unable to work, and years of trying various anti-depressants. He had severe periods of depression, along with many unpleasant side effects from the medication. He felt he wanted to be able to “enjoy life to the full” but wasn’t able to.

When we tested him for IgG based food intolerances he reacted to many foods including gluten, egg white, corn and barley. After removing these foods from his diet, along with a supplement programme to support his general health he began to experience fewer spells of feeling down and had noticed what he described as a “huge improvement” in his general wellbeing and mood.

So if you suffer from poor concentration, insomnia, anxiety or other symptoms of depleted mental health, it’s well worth investigating whether food intolerances play a part.

If you score high on the following questions there’s a good chance you have hidden food intolerances.

Your food sensitivity check

1. Do you suffer from allergies?
2. Do you suffer from IBS?
3. Can you gain weight in hours?
4. Do you get stomach pains or bloating sometimes after food?
5. Do you sometimes get really sleepy and tired after eating?
6. Do you suffer from hay fever?
7. Do you suffer from excessive mucus, a stuffy nose or sinus problems?
8. Do you suffer from rashes, itches, eczema or dermatitis?
9. Do you suffer from asthma or shortness of breath?
10. Do you suffer from headaches or migraines?
11. Do you sometimes get depressed or have ‘brain fog’ for no clear reason?
12. Do you suffer from intermittent joint aches or arthritis?
13. Do you suffer from colitis, diverticulitis or Crohn’s disease?
14. Do you suffer from other aches or pains that come and go?
15. Do you get better on holidays abroad, when your diet is completely
different?
16. Do you use painkillers most weeks?

Interpreting Your Score
If you answered yes to 5 or more of these questions, it is well worth exploring the possibility of a food intolerance either by excluding suspect foods for a trial period or doing an IgG food intolerance test. The most likely culprits are gluten (wheat, rye, barley), wheat, dairy (all types – cow, sheep, goat, milk, cheese, cream etc), soya, yeast and eggs.
Of course, you shouldn’t make dramatic changes to your diet or cut out whole food groups without professional guidance to ensure your diet remains healthy and balanced.

Side effects? None, if changes are made with professional guidance. Dramatic changes to diets without professional supervision may cause nutrient deficiencies, especially over the longer term.

Profile: Swissgarde is a leading international Network Marketing Company, specialising in health and beauty products, with over 500 000 Distributors throughout Africa. Now operating in South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Swissgarde is well on its way to becoming a leading force in Network Marketing throughout Africa, offering a lifelong business opportunity based on the following core values:

Trust Integrity Openness DynamismProfessionalism.
In the twenty one years since its formation, the company now boasts a product range of over 150 products and a Distributorship of over 500 000 Independent Distributors. Operating from its impressive Home Office in Midrand, South Africa, Swissgarde is able to offer superior service to its Distributors and Depot Owners.

History: Swissgarde was founded in 1991 by Lou Bayhack, a Pharmacist by profession. After developing his first product called Skin Protector, Lou set about developing a system, which could enable him distribute his products directly to the customer. After months of research and consultation, Lou formulated a Network marketing business plan, which would enable anyone of any age, background or education to develop their own business.

In just over 3 years the business was a success and Lou was approached by the Giant Multi-National Sara Lee Corporation. In August 1994, Swissgarde was incorporated into the fold of the Direct Selling Division of Sara Lee and since then has continued to grow from strength to strength. It is now in partnership with yet another Giant Multi-National Corporation, TupperWare.

The company’s product range has been extended to include Health Care, Skin Care, Fragrances and Toiletries. The Swissgarde range of products is formulated according to the highest standards and is fast becoming a household name in Southern Africa and many other African countries.

Quality Assurance: Swissgarde takes its commitment very seriously.

The attribute that sets Swissgarde apart is attention to detail. Swissgarde continuously works to develop products that meet the highest safety and efficacy standards that assure product consistency and integrity.

On delivery, all products are tested and approved by the Company’s Quality Control Department. Every product has a batch number. If a customer has a question about a product, Swissgarde can check the retention samples to resolve the query.

At Swissgarde, quality is not just a word – it’s a commitment. It is quality from start to finish, ensuring that the products you receive are of the best standard. That’s why the Swissgarde coat of arms carries the company’s motto, “Finest Quality”. It is a promise you can count on!

Research & Development: From the beginning, Swissgarde’s commitment to its customers has driven the company to provide the kind of innovative, safe effective products that truly make a difference in people’s lives. The commitment is still as strong today.

Company expertise and complete dedication provide the foundation for product development. Each product is as a result of exhaustive research and development and you can be certain that any product you purchase from Swissgarde will meet uniquely high standards of excellence.

For information on becoming a distributor in Nigeria please call 08023467737 , 08060778264 or click here to fill contact form

People usually have a lot of things to say about the products they market. It’s unfortunate that sometimes the testimonials are either overhyped or completely untrue. Maybe some people consider it a marketing strategy to give a larger-than-life testimonial. But for me, I really have so much testimonies and experiences that I have no need to cook up stories.

I have been so impressed by the effectiveness of Swissgarde South Africa’s NAFDAC approved products that I am always at ease recommending the products, because I’m certain I won’t be embarrassed. I have had personal testimonies as well as the testimonials of my customers, friends and family.

I began selling the products without actually using them for the first one month of being a distributor. Then my upline encouraged me to take them so I could share my own testimonials with my customers. I obeyed and I started taking the Omega Plus and Royal Jelly capsules. The first thing that tension I used to feel in the head, frequent weakness were gone. I became a healthier person.

My second testimony was that of my sister. She had been relieved of her duty and asked to go home on a day that she was troubled by itching. She’d obviously taken something that caused an allergic reaction. All the doctors prescriptions had failed and she was so restless because she couldn’t sleep. I remembered that Defender capsules are antioxidants and can get rid of toxins with similar allergic reactions, so I decided to give her 2 capsules. She took and in less that thirty minutes, she slept off(Defender has a drowsy effect on those who take it for the first time) and woke up without the itching.

Testimony no.3 is about a colleague and another friend who had suffered persistent colds for over a week and couldn’t find any relief from pharmaceutical prescriptions. I recommended Swissgarde’s Defender to them and they were both free of catarrh and colds in less that an 45 minutes. I was really excited to prove that Swissgarde delivers on it’s promise.

Testimony n0.4. I had a married colleague who complained to me about an embarrassing case of weak erections. He really felt troubled and asked if I had any remedies for it. I recommended the AloePower(my standard practice is to combine it with 40 plus for men), since I saw he was overweight and that his problem may have been caused by cholesterol blockage. And he turned out to be very pleased with the product and even referred another colleague to me.

Testimony no.5 is about a customer who later became a distributor as a result of her husbands experience with Swissgarde products. Her husband was diabetic and hypertensive, his legs were getting swollen and he kept having persistent headaches. I recommended the AloePower, Diavite, Omega plus (and later Defender as an addition in the second month). A week later she and her kids expressed excitement at their husband and father’s improvement; his blood pressure was normal, the headaches stopped, his blood sugar was fair and his swelling legs were reducing. The lady signed up as a distributor a month later so she could be buying the products regularly at a reduced price.

Testimony no.6 is about my customers who buy products for Staph infection. I’ve had repeat purchases because the effectiveness of the products. I had a customer who stopped experiencing the wormlike movements in less than a week of taking the supplements. The others experienced and energy boost and reduction in joint pains in the first week. After a month, tests revealed that the Staph growth had reduced drastically and over 3 months, they had no need to take the products anymore.

Testimony no. 7 is about a customer who had contacted me regarding his frequent muscles spasms and numbness on one part of his body.I recommended just two products that are known for blood circulation, dealing with numbness and nerve tension. He also was so impressed that he finally became a distributor.

Testimony no’s 8. I think the most impressive testimony for me is that of a former colleague who’s dad was diabetic and had accidentally stepped on a nail. The wound wouldn’t heal for months. I recommended Defender because of it’s healing properties. I called her about 9 days later and she said she noticed that the wound was drying up and healing was evident.

I can go on and on about Swissgarde products but I am pressed for time. What a joy it is to represent a product that delivers on it’s promises. You are guaranteed success from the start. If you want to get into the herbal and nutritional market in Nigerian and Africa at large, do get involved in one that is credible. I choose Swissgarde and it’s my wish that you will too.

For information on becoming a distributor, contact me on 08023467737, 08060778264.

”The amount of antioxidants in your body is directly proportional to how long you will live.”– Dr. Richard Cutler, former Director of the National Institute of Aging, Washington

Beta Carotene sources : carrots and vegetables

Antioxidants are the nutritional equivalent of man’s best friend – they are loyal protectors and nurturers of our cells, repelling disease, and promoting good health. Antioxidants can come from healthy eating or in the form of supplements, and they include a family of naturally formed components like vitamin A, beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin E, and more. They are believed to

Swissgarde South Africa's DEFENDER- N4,200 -- Antioxidant contains GrapeSeed extract which are very rich in Vitamin C,Beta Carotene, Vitamin E, Selenium,etc. CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ORDER ! Or call 08023467737, 08060778264

protect cells from free radicals, harmful oxygen molecules thought to damage cells that result in cancer,atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, and they may be the underlying reason why we age.

Free radicals are formed naturally in the body, but their production is increased by factors such as smoking, alcohol, air pollution, infection, stress, excessive sunlight, and toxins like radiation and asbestos.

It’s ironic that the oxygen we need to survive is also the catalyst for the production of free radicals. When an oxygen molecule (O2) becomes electrically charged or “radicalized” it tries to steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage to the cell’s DNA. Over time, such damage may become irreversible and lead to disease. The job of antioxidants is to “mop up” free radicals, meaning that they neutralize their electrical charge and prevent the free radical from taking electrons from other molecules.

Even the healthiest among us have some free radicals in our systems, but when free excessive radicals are formed in the body, the harmful condition known as oxidative stress occurs, possibly leading to disease.

Antioxidants can also slow some of the physical signs of aging by minimizing wrinkles and preserving skin’s natural “glow”. Some studies also suggest that antioxidant supplements help protect skin from sun damage. German researchers found that 1,000 IU’s of vitamin E and 2,000mg of vitamin C daily for eight days boosted resistance to sunburn by 20%. Other research found a mixture of beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein – three potent antioxidants – taken for three months also reduced incidence of mild sunburn.

Supplementing with antioxidants will help balance your antioxidant load, one of the best ways to get your antioxidants is in food that you eat. In short, a regular diet rich in antioxidants will help keep you healthy, inside and out.

Bloodshot eyes are not an attractive condition to suffer from. This redness is the result of blood vessels close to the surface of the eye becoming dilated and enlarged. There are many reasons for this to occur, some of which are relatively harmless and some that may be a cause for concern. While the condition isn’t always painful, eyes that are red and irritated definitely do not give the appearance of good health and vitality.

One of the most common causes of bloodshot eyes is a condition known as

conjunctivitis, or pink eye. Pinkeye occurs when the protective layer that covers the eye becomes inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by something as simple as a cold or as serious as a bacterial infection or exposure to a toxic substance.

People whose eyes tend to be dry often find themselves suffering from red and bloodshot eyes. Eyes require moisture in order to be healthy and look their best, and when this moisture is not available, the blood vessels on the eye’s surface become inflamed and red.

A condition known as blepharitis also results in bloodshot eyes, but is accompanied by itching along the eyelid, soreness, and a crusty or greasy discharge. Blepharitis is the result of a skin infection in the follicles of the eyelid, and must be treated by an eye care professional.

subconjunctival hemorrhage, or more simply put, a burst blood vessel. When the vessel bursts, the blood leaks under the clear coating of the eye and causes the entire eye to appear bloodshot. These vessels may break for many reasons from a hard sneeze, to vomiting or high blood pressure.

In some people, bloodshot eyes can be the result of contact lens wear. The lenses sometimes cause the eye to become dry, which leads to redness and irritation. In those cases, use of a special moisturizing drop for contact lens wearers can bring relief. In an unlucky few, the eyes are extremely sensitive to any foreign object and the redness will appear whenever contact lenses are worn.

Injury is another common cause of bloodshot eyes. When any type of injury to the eye occurs, the body attempts to heal itself by bringing cells to the injured area causing the eye to appear red and irritated.

Surprisingly, overuse of eye drops designed to remove redness from the eye can actually cause the reverse effect. If the drops are used too often, the vessels in the eye sometimes dilate, resulting in eyes that are even more bloodshot than they were before the medication was used.

There are many reasons for eyes to become bloodshot, from conditions that are virtually harmless, to those that require medical attention in order to heal. Bloodshot eyes that don’t resolve within one or two days, or are accompanied by pain, drainage or itching should always be treated promptly by an eye care professional.

(CBS) NEW YORK — In the battle of the bulge, belly fat is an especially tough opponent. But there are actually a number of foods that are great for your taste buds and your waistline. They help you fight belly fat. And you may find this hard to believe, but they’re so delicious, you probably already eat them!

Not only do healthy fats in avocado help thwart belly bloat, they also help our bodies better absorb carotenoids, cancer-fighting compounds found in colorful fruits and veggies like tomatoes, carrots, spinach and winter squash. In fact, people who ate salads with avocado had 15 times higher absorption of carotenoids, a study from The Ohio State University at Columbus found.

2. Bananas

The fruit packs 422 milligrams of potassium, a mineral that can help limit the

A cup encourages the growth of good bacteria in your gut, throwing out other bugs that can cause bloating.

Creamy Greek yogurt is yummy, but it’s also much more than that: Its combo of carbs and protein help stabilize insulin, a hormone that tells your body to store calories as fat when levels get too high.

4. Berries

Antioxidants can improve blood flow, delivering more oxygen to muscles — so ab revealing cardio is easier. Have some yogurt and berries before your workout to get those muscles ready for action.

5. Chocolate Skim Milk

A glass teams carbohydrates with protein to promote muscle building. Drink POST workout to speed recovery. Plus, you are getting that calcium to make your bones stronger. Chocolate milk is not just for kids!

6. Green Tea

Three cups daily may rev up your metabolism and burn 30 calories, a study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows. The compound ECGC in the tea makes it easier to burn fat.

If you are seriously in need of a NAFDAC approved herbal / Vitamin / mineral product that heals pile and gives you real value for your money, you need to take Swissgarde’ s AloePower , Defender and Omega plus. They will soften the stool, heal the wounds and inflammation around the rectum and intestinal area there by pushing back the rectum.